By:M.R.M.Nowfeek
MCS(SL),MSc in IT, PGD in IT, BSc in MIT, BSc in IT, HNDE, BTEC ,ICDL,DICAP
Certified Trainer :IPICT/ASAP/EPASS
Dip in ICT , Dip in IT , Dip in Hardware & Networking
Higher Diploma in Business
Management
CS250-Management Information
System
Source code
Source code may be in one of the following
categories
1. Standard off- the –shelf package
2. Bespoke package
3. Amended standard package
4. standard package plus additions
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Standard off- the –shelf package
• The organization purchases and installs a ready-made
solution.
• Advantages:
– Available immediately
– Cheaper
– High quality
– Can be update
– Relatively free of bugs
– Easy to handle
• Disadvantages
– It may be not well suited
– Competitors may well use the same package.
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The factors to consider when choosing an off-
the –shelf application package
• User requirements - does the package fit the user's
requirements
• Processing times – Are the processing time fast enough?
• Documentation – Is there full and clear documentation for
the user?
• Compatibility-Is the package compatible with existing
hardware and software?
• Controls – Access and security controls should be included
• User-interface – the interface should be clear, logical and
consistent
• Modification – can the package be modified by the user
• Support maintenance and update
• cost
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2. Bespoke package
• Programmers write an application to meet the
specific needs of the organization.
• This can be a time-consuming and expensive
process
• It is involves all the tasks included in the
software development and testing cycle
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advantages
• The software should meet the organization's
specific needed.
• Competitive advantage
• It can make modification for future needs
• Disadvantages:
– It make risk
– Greater chance of bugs
– Waste time and cost
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3. Amended standard package
• A standard package is purchased, but some
customization is undertaken so that the
software meets the organizations
requirements.
• This may require access to the source code.
• Development time should be much quicker.
• User can get good knowledge about the
software
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4. standard package plus additions
• The purchased standard package is not
amended itself, but additional software that
integrates with the standard package is
developed. This also may require access to the
source code.
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User documentation
• Written or visual information about an
application system, how it works, and how to use
it.
• Contains an overview, index, getting started
instructions, I.e. – very structured
• Describes functionalities
• Contains task-based documentation
– “How to’s…”
– Frequently Asked Questions
– Messages & their meanings
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Technical manual
• The technical manual should include the following;
– Contact details for the original developers
– System overview
– System specifications including performance details
– Hardware technical specification
– System objectives
– Flowcharts or Data flow diagrams
– Entity models and life histories
– Individual program specifications
– Data dictionary
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User manual
• The manual provides full documentation of
the operational procedures necessary for the
‘hands-on’ running of the system;
• Systems set-up procedures
• Security procedures
• Reconstruction control procedures
• System messages
• samples
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Staff training
• Senior management training
– Executive Support System and Decision Support System
– Awareness of information technology, project mgt. skills
• Middle managers training
– Computing skill
– Management information system
– Office type software
• Operational staff
– Training should focus on specific tasks
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File conversion
• This may be according to one of four
approaches
1. Direct changeover
2. Parallel running
3. Pilot operation
4. Phased changeover
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1. Direct changeover
The old system is completely replaced by
the new system in one move
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2. Parallel running
The old and new systems are run in
parallel for a period of time.
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Pilot operation
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The pilot operation involves selecting part or parts of an
organization to operate running the new system in parallel with
the existing system. When the branch or department piloting the
system is satisfied with the new system, they cease to use the old
system. The new system is then piloted in another area of the
organization.
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Phased changeover
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Selecting a complete section of the system for a direct
changeover. Introduce the rest phase by phase.
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Method Advantages Disadvantages
Direct changeover Quick
Minimal cost
Minimizes workload
Risky
Could disrupt
operations
If fails, will be costly
Parallel running Safe, built-in safety
Provides way of verifying
results of new system
Costly-two systems
need to be operated
Time –consuming
Additional workload
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Method Advantages Disadvantages
Pilot operation Less risky than direct
changeover
Less costly than
complete parallel
running
Can take a long time to
achieve Total
changeover
Not as safe as
complete parallel
running
Phased changeover Less risky than a single
direct changeover
Any problems should
be in one area-other
operations unaffected
Can take a long time to
achieve total
changeover
Interfaces between
parts of the system
may make this
impractical
M.R.M.Nowfeek